Antiperspirants and Deodorants

ABSTRACT

Products and methods are disclosed for reducing the production of unwanted odors on the human body.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Appl. Ser. No.61/325,317, “Improved Antiperspirant,” filed Apr. 17, 2010 by ShannonKlingman, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to products and methods for personal care,particularly personal care compositions and methods of use for reducingor preventing unwanted perspiration or odor associated withperspiration.

2. Description of Related Art

Many people seek to avoid the embarrassment or discomfort associatedwith perspiration or associated odors. Bacteria such as Corynebacteriafeed off materials in the sweat, particularly the apocrine sweat glandsfound under the arms and elsewhere, and produce unpleasant odors. Manypeople purchase antiperspirants or deodorants for underarm use, forexample, to mask odors or reduce perspiration.

Unfortunately, the metal-containing compounds such as aluminum saltsthat are widely used for their ability to reduce perspiration have beenthe subject of as-yet unresolved concerns about their long-term healtheffects. Some people are allergic to aluminum and may suffer contactdermatitis after using aluminum-containing antiperspirants. Some reportshave linked aluminum-containing antiperspirants with the systemicaccumulation of aluminum in the body, which may be a risk factor forAlzheimer's disease or breast cancer. See, for example, C. Exley. “DoesAntiperspirant Use Increase the Risk of Aluminium-Related Disease,Including Alzheimer's Disease?,” Molecular Medicine Today 4 (3): 107-9(March 1998); K. G. McGrath K G, “An Earlier Age of Breast CancerDiagnosis Related to More Frequent Use of Antiperspirants/Deodorants andUnderarm Shaving,” European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 12 (6): 479-85(December 2003); and P. D. Darbre, “Underarm Antiperspirants/Deodorantsand Breast Cancer,” Breast Cancer Research 11 (Suppl 3):S5 (2009),http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2797685/?tool=pmcentrez.Such compounds are also capable of staining clothing, often leading toan unwanted yellowness on white fabric, for example. Such aluminum-basedcompounds include ammonium zirconyl compounds such as those described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,025,615, issued May 24, 1977 to Rubino, and U.S. Pat.No. 5,888,486 issued Mar. 30, 1999 to Steinberg and O'Lenick; both ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference to the extent that they arenoncontradictory herewith.

Efforts to provide aluminum-free deodorants for underarm use includeproducts with synthetic antibacterial agents such as Triclosan, which athigh levels have prompted concerns by some groups. Bacterial inhibitionhas also been attempted with botanical ingredients such as PhellodendronAmurense Bark Extract which is said to help inhibit sweat-induced odor.However, both synthetic and bio-derived ingredients previously used forthis purpose may cause irritation of the skin or may not provide otherbeneficial properties with respect to skin and hair in the region ofapplication.

Given the limitations in currently available products, there is a needfor deodorants and antiperspirants that are effective in preventingperspiration or associated odor on the body, while reducing perceivedhealth risks associated with aluminum compounds or other harshchemicals.

As used herein, “deodorants” and “antiperspirants” both refer tocompositions that are effective in directly or indirectly reducingunwanted body odors associated with perspiration and/or bacteria on thesurface of the skin. “Deodorants” may reduce odor through a variety ofmeans, and such means in the various embodiments of the presentinvention may include suppression of bacterial activity, antimicrobialmechanisms, chemical interference with odor generation mechanisms,removal or modification of feedstuff for odor-producing bacteria, andthe like. “Antiperspirants” generally work to reduce the production ofperspiration, and may do so, for example, by decreasing the size ofpores associated with sweat glands, blocking sweat glands, reducing theflow of blood or other fluids to sweat glands, and the like. A deodorantmay function as an antiperspirant but need not do so to be a deodorant.The compositions of various embodiments of the present invention maygenerally be described as deodorants and in many cases may generally bedescribed as antiperspirants, though a composition that has limitedantiperspirant efficacy is not necessarily outside the scope of theclaimed invention, which is defined by the claims appended hereafter.

SUMMARY

We have found that personal care compositions comprising caffeine canprovide highly effective protection against perspiration without theneed to use aluminum compounds. We have also found that deodorantformulations comprising caffeine (a methylxanthine) or related xanthinescan be used to reduce perspiration and/or odor. In several embodiments,the xanthine compound is combined with alpha-hydroxy acids such asrelatively non-irritating mandelic acid to significantly reduce bodyodor in regions of the body such as the underarm region normally subjectto undesirable odors associated with perspiration. Thus, in oneembodiment, we have developed a personal care composition for reducingat least one of perspiration and body odor comprising an effectiveamount of a xanthine compound and at least 0.5% by weight of acarboxylic acid in a suitable carrier for application to the skin. Inanother aspect, we have developed an antiperspirant for use on humanskin comprising about 1% by weight or greater of a xanthine compound ina suitable carrier. In yet another aspect, we have developed aneffective antiperspirant composition comprising at least 1% caffeine, atleast 1% mandelic acid, at least 5% starch, and substantially noaluminum or zirconium compounds. Further, we have developed a method ofmaking a substantially aluminum-free personal care compositioncomprising blending caffeine, an alpha-hydroxy acid, and a suitablecarrier to form a viscous composition, and packing the composition in acontainer with indicia associated therewith instructing a user to applythe composition to the underarms region or other region of the bodylikely to experience body odor associated with sweat.

The discovery of the surprising efficacy of such formulations initiallystemmed from surprising discoveries regarding the role of mandelic acidand related carboxylic acids in suppressing odor generation on the body,as described in commonly owned U.S. patent applications 61/289,992,“Products and Methods for Reducing Malodor from the Pudendum,” filedDec. 23, 2009, and 61/309,831, “Products and Methods for ReducingMalodor from the Pudendum,” filed Mar. 2, 2010, both by ShannonKlingman, the disclosures of both of which are herein incorporated byreference, and from other experimental discoveries regarding thesurprising benefits of topically applied caffeine in reducing underarmodor, alone or in combination with alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids.

Caffeine is known to increase perspiration and is said to increase bodyodor when consumed (see, for example,http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_bodyo.htm, accessed May 28, 2010,http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Stop-Heavy-Perspiration&id=608249 andhttp://www.dryidea.com/dryidea/index.cfm?page_id=7 under the heading,“MYTH: When I Eat Garlic, My Sweat Smells Like Garlic,” both accessedMar. 30, 2010). Given its apparent role in increasing perspiration andbody odor, the discovery that caffeine can, when properly applied to thebody, actually serve to reduce body odor and/or to reduce perspirationis counterintuitive. The synergy between caffeine and related compoundswith carboxylic acids such as mandelic acid in reducing body odor fromperspiration is also highly surprising relative to the state ofunderstanding before the advances described herein. However, upondiscovery of these surprising effects, a theory for the surprisingefficacy can be proposed with hindsight by consideration of the abilityof caffeine to restrict blood vessels in the skin.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, we propose that avaso-restrictive function of caffeine when topically applied helps toclose pores rather than plugging them (as in certain priorantiperspirant products) with the reaction products of metal complexeswith biological matter. The closing of sweat-releasing pores through theaction of caffeine is believed to help reduce the flow of sweat fromsweat glands, thus providing an antiperspirant function. Alternativelyor in addition, the caffeine can act to reduce blood flow to the surfaceof the skin, and it is possible that the reduced blood flow works toreduce sweat production from sweat glands. Alternatively, mechanismsthat reduce blood flow may also work to reduce the supply ofperspiration available in or deliverable by sweat glands via similarmechanisms.

Caffeine and other vasoconstrictors or chemically related compounds maybe used in the formulations of the present invention, including xanthinederivatives. Caffeine is a methylxanthine (a derivative of xanthinehaving a methyl group). Xanthine (3,7-dihydro-purine-2,6-dione), is apurine base found in most human body tissues and fluids and in otherorganisms.

In forming a deodorant formulation, the caffeine or other xanthines maybe provided as a solute in an aqueous solution, a non-aqueous solutionin combination with an alcohol or other liquid, an emulsion, a mixtureof encapsulated ingredients such as microencapsulated caffeine incombination with ingredients in one or more phases, or in other suitableforms. Emulsions, if used, can be oil in water emulsions or water in oilemulsions, for example. Water-in-water emulsions, such as gel particlesin an aqueous phase, may also be considered, with the xanthinedistributed in either or both phases. The caffeine or other xanthinesmay also be provided in solid form, such as in the form of a powder.Either solid or solute forms of one or mores xanthines may beencapsulated. For example, microcapsules of caffeine may be preparedwith capsule walls that are at least one of (a) water-soluble, (b)fusible (e.g., melting above a predetermined temperature such as atabout 95° F. or higher), or (c) frangible (such that they can break inresponse to friction to release the contained ingredients).

Encapsulating materials (the material used to form the wall of, say, amicrocapsule containing a xanthine, for example) can include any knownin the art, including, for example, gelatin and derivatives thereof,melamine compounds (including combinations of melamine and polyacrylicacid), polyvinyl alcohol compounds, polyurethanes, waxes, acrylates,sodum caseinate, other proteinaceous or bio-derived materials and theEncapsys® encapsulation materials marketed by Appleton Papers (Appleton,Wis.), as well as all combinations or derivatives thereof. One or moreactive ingredients may also be provided in a microsponge, zeolites,cyclodextrin complex, gel, polymer complex, or other medium forcontrolled release or time-release functionality. Exemplary commercialproducts include CapsuDar® Caffeine 85, a microencapsulated free flowingcaffeine powder coated with cellulose derivative, marketed by LycoRedBio Ltd. (Yavne, Israel).

Preparation of Encapsulated Caffeine or Other Components May beperformed using the technologies and services of other entities such as,for example, Maxx Performance Inc. (Chester, N.Y.), Appleton Papers(Appleton, Wis.), or 3M (Minneapolis, Minn.), including technologiesdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,800,457, “Oil-Containing MicroscopicCapsules and Method of Making Them,” issued to B. K. Green and S.Lowell, Jul. 23, 1957. Other methods of encapsulation include thosedescribed in the following US patents, each of which is hereinincorporated by reference to the extent it is non-contradictoryherewith: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,016,308; 3,116,206; 3,167,602; 3,202,533;3,429,827; 4,490,313; and 5,741,592.

The microencapsulation technologies of Microtek Laboratories (Dayton,Ohio), particularly those for aqueous solutions, may also be considered,including hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, phenolic resins (e.g.,urea-rescorcinol-formaldehyde), urethane coacervates such as thereaction products of an isocyanate and a diol or polyol, and the systemsdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,550,200, “Microencapsulation of Biocidesand Antifouling Agents,” issued Jun. 23, 2009 to Hart et al.; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,911,923, “Method for Microencapsulating Water-Soluble orWater-Dispersible or Water-Sensitive Materials in an Organic ContinuousPhase,” issued Jun. 15, 1999 to Work, et al., both of which are hereinincorporated by reference to the extent that they are noncontradictoryherewith.

Other preparations for sustained release of caffeine or otheringredients are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,484, “Sustained ReleaseMicroparticulate Caffeine Formulation,” issued Dec. 23, 1997 toChauffard et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,874, “Devices for the ControlledRelease of Active Substances, as Well as Process for the PreparationThereof,” issued Nov. 24, 1987 to De Haan et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.4,820,521, “Sustained Absorption Pharmaceutical Composition,” issuedApr. 11, 1989 to Panoz et al.; all of which are herein incorporated byreference to the extent that they are noncontradictory herewith.

Other xanthines are also believed or known to have vasoconstrictiveeffects relative to the skin or other potentially useful effectsrelative to antiperspirant and deodorant products, includingpharmacological effects related to those of caffeine, and thus xanthinessuch as methylxanthines and derivatives thereof are considered withinthe scope of certain embodiments of the present invention.Methylxanthines include theophylline (1,3-dimethyl-7H-purine-2,6-dione,also known as dimethylxanthine), caffeine(1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione, also known as1,3,7-trimethylxanthine or methyltheobromine), and theobromine(3,7-dimethyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione, also known as3,7-dimethylxanthine or xantheose). Derivatives of xanthine compoundsincluding salts thereof may be used, including caffeine citrate andother salts with carboxylic acids.

Xanthine-containing herbs include Camellia sinensis (Tea), Coffeaarabica (Coffee beans), Cola nitida (Kola), Cola acuminata, Theobromacacao (Cacao), Theobroma bicolor, Theobroma angustifolium, Ilexparaguariensis (Maté), Paullinia cupana (Guarana), Banisteriopsisinebrians, Davilla rugosa, Euonymus europaeus, Erodium spp., Genipaspp., Lippia multiflora, Maytenus spp., Sterculia spp., Tylophoramollissima, the Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) and Villarsia spp. Thexanthine compound may be provided via a plant extract or mixture ofplant extracts. In one embodiment, the composition comprises an herbalextract which has been substantially enriched in xanthine content beyondthat available by forming an extract with heated water or ethanol alone.In one embodiment, for example, substantially pure caffeine and axanthine-containing plant extract are combined to form a personal carecomposition with deodorant and/or antiperspirant properties.

In some embodiments, the caffeine or other xanthine compound may bepresent at any effective concentration such as about 10% by weight orhigher, about 5% by weight or higher, about 2% by weight or higher,about 1% by weight or higher, or about 0.5% or higher. If a carboxylicacid such as mandelic acid or a mixture of alpha-hydroxy acids, it maybe present at any effective concentration such as about 10% by weight orhigher, about 5% by weight or higher, about 2% by weight or higher, orabout 1% by weight or higher, or about 0.5% or higher. The mass ratio ofcarboxylic acid to total xanthine compounds may be substantially zero orany practical finite number such as from about 0.1 to about 5.0, fromabout 0.1 to about 1, from about 0.1 to about 0.5, or from about 1 toabout 5, or substantially greater than 1 such as about 1.2 or greater.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, the role of mandelic acid orother suitable carboxylic acids is believed to be that of an acidifyingcomposition that reduces the pH of the skin to a level that limits thegrowth of the bacteria that produce undesirable odors. Such bacteria caninclude Corynebacteria and Propionobacteria that dwell on the skin. Inaddition or alternatively, the reduced pH creates an environment thatprotects or maintains healthy microbial flora on the skin, therebycontrolling the levels of less desirable bacteria that may produceunwanted odors.

The xanthine compound and carboxylic acid (the “active ingredients” asused herein) in many embodiments are combined with a carrier that may bea liquid such as an aqueous solution, a wet wipe formulation withalcohol or substantially alcohol free, or a viscous carrier havingsubstantially greater viscosity than water. The viscous carrier may be alipophilic carrier such as a mineral oil, a gel, a cream, an emulsion, abioadhesive, and the like.

The active ingredients may be combined with additional ingredients suchas organic oils, silicone compounds, cyclomethicone, water, variouspolymers that control viscosity, film formation, or other mechanical orfluid properties, fragrances, coloring agents, encapsulated compounds,solvents, propellants, surfactants, and the like. For example, anantiperspirant may comprise caffeine or related compounds in a base madewith a starch with bonding agents such as a wax or oil. In anotherembodiment, the antiperspirant may comprise active ingredients such ascaffeine and an acidifying agent such as a carboxylic acid combined witha silicone wax, cyclomethicone, and a fatty alcohol according to thecarrier materials discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,486, previouslyincorporated by reference.

Such compositions may be applied to the body in a variety of ways, suchas by application using a pretreated wipe, pad, or absorbent articlesuch as a dress pad containing the composition that transfers to thebody, or by direct application to the body using a spray or otherdispenser or by application using the fingers or other means to applythe composition onto the skin.

Any suitable dispenser and method of application may be considered. Inone version, the composition is provided in a flexible, squeezable tubewith an opening for release in response to pressure applied to the tube.

The composition may be substantially free of aluminum, aluminum salts,or other aluminum compounds, such as having less than 1%, less than0.5%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% of aluminum (e.g., aluminumions). The composition may be substantially free of zirconium, such ashaving less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01%of zirconium (e.g., zirconium ions). In general, the composition may besubstantially free of effective amounts of aluminum and zirconiumantiperspirant compounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a spray can comprising a personal care compositionaccording to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a wipe in a pouch according to certainembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a stick of deodorant in a dispenser according to certainembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a portion of a wipes container according to certainembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts another applicator for compositions according to certainembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 show various dispensers and applicators that can be used todeliver effective quantities of deodorant compositions to the surface ofa body. FIG. 1 depicts an aerosol can 20 for dispensing a composition 22according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Thecomposition 22 is sprayed on the body (not shown) via a manuallyactivated spray nozzle 24, as is known in the art. Any known methods canbe used for preparing a suitable solution or suspension for dispensingvia aerosol, and any suitable propellants may be used.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a wipe system 26 for applying compositionsaccording to certain embodiments of the present invention. The wipesystem 26 comprises an openable pouch 28, which may be a polymeric,foil, paper, or composite pouch, within which is a folded wipe 30impregnated or coated with a quantity of a deodorant compositioncomprising a xanthine compound. The unfolded wipe 30 is shown in FIG.2B. In FIG. 2A, the pouch 28 is shown to have a first end 34 and asecond end 36 which may be opened, for example, by tearing the pouchalong a tear line 38.

FIG. 3 depicts a stick dispenser 40 comprising a stick of a deodorantcomposition 42 contained within the walls of a container 44 having aturnable knob 46 attached to a threaded spindle 48 that drives themotion of an associated platform 49 on which the stick of a deodorantcomposition 42 rests. Thus, by turning the knob 46, the amount of thestick of a deodorant composition 42 rising above the walls of acontainer 44 can be adjusted. A cap for the container 44 is not shown.

FIG. 4 shows a telescopic view of a portion of a wipes container 50showing a lower body 58 adapted to contain a stack of wipes 68 and adeodorant composition dispenser 52 depicted here as a simple well 54holding a quantity of a deodorant composition 56 comprising acomposition in the form of a cream comprising an effective amount of axanthine composition (e.g., over 1% caffeine). The well 54 may comprisea resilient material such as a polyolefin plastic or may have flexiblewalls. The well 54 may be separable from the lower body 58 of the wipescontainer 50 as shown or may be unitary therewith, such as a well 54formed with the lower body 58 from plastic injection molding (notshown). The deodorant composition dispenser 52, in other embodiments,may be replaced with other known dispensers of formulations, includingflexible pouches (not shown) that can release a cream by squeezing, ordispensers with mechanical means for dispensing such as pumps (notshown). The wipes 68 may be used to apply a quantity of the deodorantcomposition 56 to the underarm region of the body (not shown) or toother regions, as desired.

The lower body 58 has a floor 62 and side walls 60. The lower body 58receives the stack of wipes 24 as shown along the telescoping axis 64A,and also receives the deodorant composition dispenser 52 along theparallel telescoping axis 64B.

A covering for the container 50 is not shown, but any known covering maybe used such as a removable lid or a hinged lid connected to or integralwith the lower body 58. In use, the covering (not shown) may be openedto allow a user to remove a wipe 68, apply a quantity of the deodorantcomposition 56 to the wipe 70, and then apply the wipe to the body.

FIG. 5 depicts a flexible “puff” applicator 70 which can be dipped intoa container of a deodorant composition (not shown, but see FIG. 4 for anexample) comprising a xanthine according to various embodiments of thepresent invention. The applicator 70 may comprise a handle 76 such as awooden or plastic stick to which is attached a flexible applicator head78 that may, for example, comprise one or more pleated or folded sheets72 of a flexible material such as silicone, a plastic web such as anylon or polypropylene mesh, a textile such as a nonwoven fabric, andthe like. The applicator 70 may thus be used to apply the deodorantcomposition onto the body (not shown).

Further Details

Caffeine or related xanthines may be provided as pure substances, asphytoextracts, or in combination with other useful ingredients, and thenblended with other suitable ingredients for the desired product form togive an antideodorant or antiperspirant product. In some embodiments,the sweat inhibitory effect of caffeine or related xanthines is enhancedwith antimicrobial benefits from carboxylic acids, particularlyalpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids such as mandelic acid or derivativesthereof.

References to caffeine or any other xanthine are understood to includesalts thereof. Thus, caffeine citrate is understood to fall within thescope of caffeine, although for purposes of computing the weight percentof caffeine when a caffeine salt is present, the mass of the salt shouldbe normalize to the effective mass of pure caffeine that would bepresent if the caffeine were not in salt form. The same principleapplies to other xanthines as well.

Formulation may be achieved by any known means for preparing acomposition of a desired format (e.g., cream, roll-on, spray, etc.).This may include heating, agitating, homogenizing, pressurizedextrusion, and the like, with batch, continuous, or semi-continuousprocessing all being within the scope of the methods for variousembodiments of the present invention.

As used herein, the term “alpha-hydroxy acid” refers to compoundsrepresented by the following generic structure:

(R1)(R2))C(OH)COOH

where R1 and R2 are H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl groups. In addition, R1and R2 may carry OH, CHO, COOH and alkoxy groups. Typical alkyl, aralkyland aryl groups for R1 and R2 include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,butyl, pentyl, octyl, lauryl, stearyl, benzyl and phenyl etc. Thealpha-hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, lactic acid,mandelic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid,2-hydroxydecanoic acid, and citric acid. In some embodiments, thealpha-hydroxy acid has 13 or fewer carbons, 12 or fewer carbons, 11 orfewer carbons, 10 or fewer carbons, 9 or fewer carbons, or 8 or fewercarbons, such as between 2 and 14 carbons, between 2 and 11 carbons,between 3 and 11 carbons, between 3 and 13 carbons, between 7 and 12carbons, or between 8 and 12 carbons. In one embodiment, thealpha-hydroxy acids comprise a mixture of 3-carbon and 8-carbonalpha-hydroxy acids.

The formulation may include a first alpha-hydroxy acid such as mandelicacid (also known as phenylglycolic acid) and optionally a secondalpha-hydroxy acid composition such as lactic acid and/or othercarboxylic acids, including acids such as citric, glycolic,2-hydroxybutyric acid, tartaric acid; gluconic acid or other isomers ofpentahydroxyhexanoic acid; hydroxycaprylic acid, leucic acid(2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid), ethylglycolic acid, malic acid, andthe like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,171, “Amphoteric Compositions andPolymeric Forms of Alpha Hydroxyacids, and Their Therapeutic Use,”issued February, 1992 to Yu et al., herein incorporated by reference tothe extent that it is noncontradictory herewith, describes alphahydroxyl acids that can be considered for use with various embodimentsof the present invention. The first alpha-hydroxy acid may have at least7 or at least 8 carbons for each carboxylic acid group and may have amolecular weight from about 135 to about 400, more specifically fromabout 135 to about 250, from about 135 to about 200, or from 145 to 170.The first alpha-hydroxy acid may be monoprotic (a monocarboxylic acid)or, in some versions, diprotic (a dicarboxylic acid), though largernumbers of carboxylic acid groups may be considered. In other versions,the first alpha-hydroxy acid or both the first and second alpha-hydroxyacid may have a molecular weight of 90 or greater, 100 or greater, 120or greater, 150 or greater, or 160 or greater. The first alpha-hydroxyacid also may have at least one aromatic ring such as a phenyl group.(Mandelic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid with an aromaticring.) Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that thefirst alpha-hydroxy acid as described is large enough to not rapidlypenetrate into the stratum corneum of the skin, allowing it to remainpresent and active on the surface of the skin for a prolonged period oftime, while it is also small enough to be biologically active to modifythe bacterial environment on the skin and/or to maintain an acidiccondition on the surface of the skin. The relatively high molecularweight and larger number of carbons per acid group in such acids mayalso reduce the potential for irritation to the skin.

In some embodiments, other alpha-hydroxy acids comprising aromatic ringsmay be used, including derivatives of mandelic acid such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,224, “Method for Producing OpticallyActive Mandelic Acid Derivatives,” issued Aug. 17, 2004 to Mitsuhashi etal., or the dimmers and other derivatives described in U.S. Pat. No.5,932,619, “Method for Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases,” issuedAug. 3, 1999 to Zaneveld et al., both of which are herein incorporatedby reference to the extent that they are noncontradictory herewith.

The second alpha-hydroxy acid composition may, in some embodiments, helpimprove the efficacy of the first alpha-hydroxy acid while alsocontributing to desired acidity on the skin and optionally may also havean antimicrobial effect relative to unwanted bacteria that otherwisecould contribute to an undesired odor. The second alpha-hydroxy acidcomposition may comprise alpha-hydroxy acids having, individually oraveraged, a molecular weight of about 170 or less, such as from 75 to135, from 75 to 125, or from 80 to 85, or from 86 to 92.

The alpha-hydroxy acids in total may be present in any suitableconcentration, such as 30% by weight or less, 20% by weight or less, or10% by weight or less, and more specifically from about 0.3% to 10%(percentages in reference to chemical compositions herein will beunderstood to be weight percent unless otherwise indicated), from about0.5% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 15%, or from about 0.5% toabout 3.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 2.5%.

In one version, the second alpha-hydroxy acid composition comprises atleast about 30%, at least about 50%, at least about 70% or at leastabout 93% lactic acid by weight (i.e., weight percent) of lactic acid,such as from about 30% to about 90%, or from about 50% to about 95%; orfrom about 50% to about 95% lactic acid by weight. In one version, thesecond alpha-hydroxy acid is substantially all lactic acid.

Examples of formulations can include lotions, creams, gels, wipesolutions, sprays, powders, etc., with the following acidifyingcompositions, expressed as weight percents: 1.5% lactic acid and 0.5%mandelic acid; 2.5% lactic acid and 1% mandelic acid; 25% lactic acidand 2% mandelic acid; 10% lactic acid and 10% mandelic acid; 5% lacticacid and 4% mandelic acid; etc.

The alpha-hydroxy acids may, at least in part, be provided intime-release systems that gradually release the alpha-hydroxy acid to beeffective in controlling the pH of the skin in a region subject to sweatand body odor such as under the arms. Time-release technology caninclude microencapsulation and other systems known in the art.Time-release or other controlled release means are well known in theart. Some versions, by way of example, are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,756,136, “Controlled Release Encapsulation Compositions,” issued May26, 1998 to Black et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,397, “ControlledRelease Encapsulated Bioactive Substances,” issued Dec. 28, 2004 to Leeet al.; both of which are herein incorporated by reference to the extentthat they are noncontradictory herewith.

In many embodiments, the formulations and methods disclosed herein avoidthe problems of stinging or other forms of irritation that are known insome prior products. Sting-free formulations, for example, may besubstantially free of ethanol, propanol, or other agents that may stingthe skin, especially freshly shaved skin.

To provide an effective quantity of a suitable alpha-hydroxy acid in theenvironment on the skin, a viscous carrier substantially more viscousthan water can be effective in retaining the material. A lipophiliccarrier such as a cream can further protect the skin and reduce risks ofirritation from the alpha-hydroxy acid. One or more suitablealpha-hydroxy acids in combination with a viscous lipophilic carrier canbe applied to the skin using the fingers or via a wipe or pad, or can betransferred from another article such as the pretreated surface of anabsorbent pad.

Formulations within the scope of the present invention may be providedin the form of pre-treated wipes, including wet wipes or wipespretreated with a viscous lotion, or may be applied to a wipe shortlybefore contacting the wipe to the skin. In one embodiment, for example,a cream comprising one or more suitable alpha-hydroxy acids is appliedto a wipe, including a dry wipe or a wet wipe, prior to use. The wipemay be packaged with the cream already in contact therewith, or may bepackaged with or marketed in association with a quantity of the creamthat can be manually applied to the wipe prior to contacting the wipewith the skin, such that the cream is transferred to the skin.

The carrier need not be lipophilic and may, for example, comprise anaqueous gel or other aqueous bioadhesive comprise a hydrated polymer.Alternatively, a substantially aqueous, low-viscosity carrier may beused similar to traditional water-based wet wipe formulations, butcomprising a suitable alpha-hydroxy acid. For the alpha-hydroxy acid toremain effective on the skin for a prolonged period of time afterapplication with a wet wipe-style product, additional measures may betaken such as encapsulation of at least a portion of a quantity of analpha-hydroxy acid for sustained release thereof, or providing ofdelivery means for sustained contact of a low-pH solution with the skin.The means of delivery, the frequency of delivery, the amount delivered,and the extent of the surface area to which the composition is appliedcan be varied and adapted for the needs of a user. In other words, thedelivery means and all aspects of delivery of the composition can bepersonalized to meet the needs of a user. Various protocols may beprescribed or recommended responsive to user needs and personal datasuch as gender, age, skin type, nutrition, race, climate, lifestyle,occupation, activity level, humidity, clothing style, etc. Automatedcomputer tools such as interactive websites may be used in making suchrecommendations, or guide may be provided to assist human staff inmaking recommendations.

In some embodiments a textured applicator or brush may be provided withthe product that can stimulate the skin as the composition is spread orrubbed into the skin. A suitable brush may, for example, resemble a softplastic nail brush but with relatively short bristles. A terry cloth ortextured fabric, nonwoven, or wipe may be used as well. Alternatively,the container for a cream, paste, stick, gel, or other product may havea textured cap or other texture surface that can be used to apply thecomposition to the skin.

In some versions, the composition with one or more suitablealpha-hydroxy acids is provided in a container or with a kit thatcontains indicia instructing the user that the composition is to beapplied to the skin or to particular regions such as the underarm. Theindicia may further specify suggested methods for repeat application,including time intervals or conditions which would require more frequentapplication. In some versions, the indicia indicate that the product canhelp control odor and/or reduce perspiration. For example, the indiciamay specify that for some users the full antiperspirant effect mayrequire at least daily application (or, for example, twice dailyapplication) for a period of time such as two or more days, three ormore days, four or more days, five or more days, or another period oftime such as about a week or longer or about two weeks or longer.

The indicia may instruct the user to rub the composition into the skinvigorously to ensure that the composition enters into the follicles forbest results.

The indicia may provide directions about the regions of the body wherethe product can be used most successfully. For example, any region withapocrine glands may be considered, as well as the more widespreadeccrine glands that produce sweat less subject to odor problems.

Regions of the body likely to experience unwanted body odor associatedwith perspiration include regions with apocrine sweat glands such as theunderarms region and the groin or pudendum, and may also include otherregions such as the chest, under the breasts, the back, the feet, thescalp, and so forth. Such regions may be identified in indicia (notshown) associated with various products based on selected embodiments ofthe present invention. Areas where body odor from sweat may be lesslikely include the face or facial skin, the forearms, the hands(especially the back of the hands), and the neck. In some embodiments,application of the deodorant composition to the face may be specificallyproscribed (especially to skin near the eyes, nose, or mouth). The samemay apply for the back of the hands and the exposed neck. Thus, indiciamay indicate that the product should be used in the underarm region orother regions likely to have body odor associated with perspiration, andthat the product should not be used on the face or neck (or the head ingeneral, if desired), or on the hands.

Dispensers and Applicators

Any suitable known means may be used to dispense product from anapplicator onto the skin. Antiperspirant formulations according to thevarious embodiments of the present invention can be provided in anysuitable form such as a roll-on, a viscous hydrogel, a substantiallysolid gel, a spray (using an aerosol or pump), a lotion, a powder, asuspension, a wipe, a foam, etc. Delivery of active ingredients can bevia any known method such as by spraying, wiping, extruding, pouring,rinsing, application with the fingers, etc., and combinations thereof.

In embodiments suitable for use with a roll-on dispenser, the dispensermay comprise a bottle having a mouth at one end defining a retaininghousing for a rotatable member, such as a spherical ball or a cylinderwhich protrudes above the top wall of the bottle. Examples of suitabledispensers are described in EP1175165, “Package for Dispensing aFlowable Cosmetic Composition and Product,” published Apr. 20, 2005 bySima et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,243, “Container for Storing andApplying a Liquid Deodorant,” issued Jan. 28, 2003 to Miranda;WO2006/007987, “Improvements in a Cosmetic Dispenser” and WO2006/007991,“Cosmetic Dispenser Housing and Method,” both published Jan. 26, 2006 byDa Tavares et al.; all of which are herein incorporated by reference tothe extent that they are noncontradictory herewith.

Stick forms of deodorants, for example, can include compressed powdersticks, gelled sticks, wax sticks and silicone sticks, such as thesilicone formulations described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,486 issued Mar.30, 1999 to Steinberg et al., previously incorporated by reference.

Stick deodorants and related cosmetic stick products are known in avariety of forms, all of which may be suitably adapted for the variousembodiments described herein. For example, cosmetic sticks havingantiperspirant and/or deodorizing effects and based on alcoholic soapgels and/or propylene glycol soap gels are well known (e.g., see U.S.Pat. Nos. 2,900,306, “Cosmetic and Deodorant Sticks,” issued to Slater,August 1959; 2,857,315, “Propylene Glycol Soap Gel StickAnti-Perspirant,” issued October 1958 to Teller; and 2,933,433, “StableAnti-Perspirant Stick,” issued April 1960 to Teller et al.). Atranslucent stick product is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,143,“Deodorant Cosmetic Stick Composition,” issued Jul. 22, 1997 toBergmann.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,776, herein incorporated by reference to the extentthat it is noncontradictory herewith, describes adhesive applicatorcrayons where the gelling component is a salt formed by combining analiphatic carboxylic acid having from 8 to 36 carbon atoms with a cationselected from alkali metals, ammonium and lower alkyl ammonium. Thissalt is added to water, either alone or in combination with awater-miscible organic solvent, producing a gel to which an adhesivecomponent is added. The cation-carboxylic acid combination may be sodiumstearate, for example. Further approaches are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,252,789, “Deodorant Stick,” issued Feb. 23, 1981 to Broad, hereinincorporated by reference to the extent that it is noncontradictoryherewith.

Other application means can include a foam applicator attached to ahandle such as a tube or cylinder. In some embodiments, soft, flexiblematerials are used to transfer material from a container onto the skin.Such materials can include cloths such as terrycloth products or rags,sponges, puffs, wipes, and the like.

Preservatives and Antimicrobial Agents

Additional preservatives or antimicrobial agents may be provided in theformulations and systems described herein. Such agents may includecetylpyridinium chloride, parabens e.g., (methyl paraben, ethylparaben), imidazolidinyl urea, propyl benzoate, sodium benzoatre,potassium sorbate, and the like. Other antimicrobial or bacteriostaticagents that may be considered include, by way of example only,biguanide, chitosan derivatives, silver nanoparticles or othersilver-based compositions and products capable of releasing silver ions,and the like. Nisin, a polycyclic peptide antibacterial agent, may alsobe incorporate in some embodiments of the formulations of the presentinvention. Phytoextracts, essential oils, and related plant productswith antimicrobial functionality may also be considered. Tea oil, forexample, such as Melafresh T96 or SLR teal oils may be used.

Rheology Modifying Ingredients

Many known rheology modifiers can be considered in the formulations forthe compositions of various embodiments to obtain desired properties.Gums such as guar gum or xanthan gum or other industrial gums, polyvinylalcohols, polyacrylates, cellulose-derived polymers such ascarboxymethylcellise or hydroxyalkylcellulose polymers, Laponite, clays,carboxomer polymers, and numerous other compounds can be considered.Silicone elastomers can be considered, including those described in U.S.Ser. No. 09/613,266 (P&G).

Known bioadhesive polymers may be used as part of the carrier system,including polyolprepolymers from Barnet Products Group (EnglewoodCliffs, N.J.) and related compounds such as Barnet's Topicare® DeliveryCompounds and related liquid polymers. Barnet's polyolprepolymers arepolyalkalene glycol-based polyurethane polymers suitable for use as skincare agents that can hold active ingredients on the surface of the skin.They do not absorb substantially into the skin and can remain in placefor a prolonged period of time, being capable of forming a liquidreservoir on the skin. Specific products include polyolprepolymer-2(PP-2), polyolprepolymer-14 (PP-14), and polyolprepolymer-15 (PP-15).PP-2 is a lipophilic mixture of liquid hydroxy-terminated polymers inpolypropylene glycol having oligomers with a molecular weight range of1,500 to 10,000 and an average molecular weight of about 4,000 and anHLB in the range of 12-14. At 35° C., it has a reported viscosity ofabout 2500 to 4000 cps. PP-14 is similar but has a higher molecularweight of about 18,000 and is more lipophilic. It has an HLB of about11-13. At 35° C., it has a reported viscosity of about 2500 to 6000 cps.PP-15 is a mixture of liquid hydroxy-terminated polymers in polyethyleneglycol. It has a molecular weight of about 1,800 and is soluble in waterand alcohol and can be used in aqueous systems with hydrophiliccomponents. At 35° C., it has a reported viscosity of about 2500 to 5000cps. See “Polyolprepolymers: Properties and Use in CosmeticProducts—Technical Manual,” Bertek Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary ofMylan Laboratories (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.), 1996.

The aforementioned polyolprepolymers are believed to be particularlyuseful in enhancing the efficacy of active ingredients such asalpha-hydroxy acids by holding them on the epidermis level and reducingirritation.

Skin Benefit Agents

Non-limiting examples of skin benefit agents that may be considered foruse herein are described in The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, 2ndEdition (1992), which includes a wide variety of ingredients commonlyused in the skin care industry, and which may be suitable for use invarious embodiments of the present invention. Non-limiting examples ofskin benefit agents include absorbents, aesthetic components such asfragrances, pigments, natural extractives such as witch hazel or aloevera, colorings/colorants, essential oils, skin sensates, astringents,etc. (e.g., clove oil, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, eugenol,menthyl lactate, witch hazel distillate), anti-caking agents,antimicrobial agents (e.g., iodopropyl butylcarbamate), antioxidants,colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides, drug astringents,external analgesics, opacifying agents, pH adjusters, skin-conditioningand/or moisturizing agents, i.e. glycerine, skin soothing and/or healingagents (e.g., panthenol and derivatives (e.g., ethyl panthenol),pantothenic acid and its derivatives, allantoin, bisabolol, anddipotassium glycyrrhizinate), retinoids, (e.g. retinol palmitate),tocopheryl nicotinate, skin treating agents, vitamins and derivativesthereof. It is to be understood that the actives useful herein can insome instances provide more than one benefit or operate via more thanone mode of action. Therefore, classifications herein are made for thesake of convenience and are not intended to limit the active to thatparticular application or applications listed.

Moisturizers may include urea, which may also be used in combinationwith lactic acid for effective moisturizing activity.

Foam Embodiments

In some embodiments, the active ingredients are delivered to the bodywhile in a foam state, such as stable foam, for example, that isproduced with or without a propellant. In some versions, a foam isdispensed from a dispenser such as a propellant-free dispenser withpumping action to create the foam from a composition in a foamablecarrier, and then applied to a wipe or other substrate, or applied tothe hand of the user or otherwise delivered to the skin.Propellant-driving foam generators may also be used to deliver thecomposition in the form of a foam.

Active ingredients in a foam may be dispensed for subsequent placementon a dry wipe, a pre-moistened wipe, or other soft, flexible applicator(e.g., an object about 3-fingers wide or 4 to 10 cm wide) or otherobject to used for application of the foam-based composition to theskin. The foam can be a non-propellant foam. A foam with a suitablestiffness of yield stress can be applied to the skin in any manner forsustained adherence and contact with the body.

Examples of foam-based systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,204,“Stable Foam for Use in Disposable Wipe,” issued to Lapidus on Nov. 16,2004, herein incorporated by reference to the extent that it isnoncontradictory herewith. The Lapidus patent discusses the use ofcompatible surfactants, e.g., nonionic, anionic, amphoteric, for use inhuman hygienic products. The surfactant should be capable of forming afoam when mixed with air in a finger actuated, mechanical pump foamer.Such surfactants are said to include, without limitation, those which donot irritate mucous membranes such as polyethylene 20 cetyl ether (Brij58)™, a nonionic surfactant; sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (HamposylL-30)™, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (Lathanol LAL)™ and sodium laurethsulfate (Sipon ESY)™—anionic surfactants; lauramidopropyl betaine(Monateric LMAB™), an amphoteric surfactant, as well as polysorbate 20,TEA-cocoyl glutamate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate and combinationsthereof. Typically, the surfactant is said to present in an amount fromabout 2% to about 35% by weight, or from about 5% to about 15% byweight.

At least one foam stabilizing agent may also be present in certainfoamable embodiments. Suitable foam stabilizing agents may include,without limitation, natural or synthetic gums such as xanthan gum,polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, alkylene polyols suchas glycerine and propylene glycol and combinations thereof. Typically,the foam stabilizers may be present in an amount from about 0.10% toabout 5%, or from about 2% to about 4%.

In the Lapidus patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,204), alkylene polyols aresaid to be typically employed in amounts from about 0.1% to about 10%,gums are employed in amounts ranging from about 0.05% to about 1%,and/or polyalkylene glycols are present in amounts ranging from about0.05% to about 2%.

A foam may be produced using the F2 Finger Pump Foamer™ manufactured byAirSpray International Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla. Such a spring-loadedvalve system operates without the use of gas propellants or the like.Upon actuation, precise amounts of air and liquid are mixed, and a foamcapable of maintaining its structure for a substantial length of time isdispensed. In addition, the dispenser can deliver a variable amount offoam, thereby reducing waste of the wipe agent contained therein.Details of exemplary propellantless defoamers are described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,443,569, issued on Aug. 22, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,576,issued Sep. 29, 1998, herein incorporated by reference to the extentthat it is noncontradictory herewith.

Other Ingredients

Many other ingredients may be used in the formulation provided they arenot antagonistic to the intended function of the product. Suchingredients may include chelating agents such as EDTA, fragrances,viscosity modifiers, colors, opacifiers such as titanium oxide, sensoryagents such as menthol or other known agents capable of producing acooling or warming sensation on the skin; essential oils, fatty acids,proteins including various enzymes; probiotic agents to enhance growthof lactobaccili or other desirable bacteria, and the like.

Humectants and solubilizers may be used, such as butylene glycol.

In various embodiments, the formulation may be substantially free of anyor all of the following: aluminum, aluminum salts, zirconium, zirconiumsalts, ethanol, methanol, propanol, alcohols, alcohols having 3 ourfewer carbons, alcohols having 2 or fewer carbons, glycolic acid, aceticacid, critic acid, latex, spermicides, Octoxynol-9, TEA (triethylamine,a compound which may contribute to unwanted odor) or derivatives of TEA,TMA (trimethylamine), ammonia or complexes thereof, amines, protein,polyhydroxy fatty acids, polyhydroxy acids, alpha-hydroxy acids having14 or greater carbons, fatty acids, polyhydroxy fatty acid esters (orpolyhydroxy fatty acid derivatives such as esters, amides, andalcohols), benzoic acid, preservatives, perfumes, artificial colors,sodium bicarbonate, bicarbonates in solid or ionic form, retinol, orRetin-A. “Substantially free” in this context may mean lacking aneffective quantity. For alcohols and acids this may be taken as lessthan 0.1%. In some cases, the concentration may be less than 0.05% or0.01%. Xylitol or other 5-carbon sugars may be used to enhance theantimicrobial benefits of the composition.

The formulation may also comprise a plurality of other acidifying agentssuch as acetic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, and the like as wellas buffers.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A cream was formulated with a microsponge caffeine product forcontrolled released. Multiple product batches were made with thefollowing target composition:

-   -   Mandelic acid 4-6%    -   Caffeine powder 3.0% (CapsuDar® Caffeine 85, a microencapsulated        caffeine powder coated with cellulose derivative, marketed by        LycoRed Bio Ltd. of Yavne, Israel).    -   Corn starch    -   Trichlosan    -   PP2 2.0% (Barnet Products Group, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.)    -   Aloe vera & chamomile    -   Tea tree oil    -   Other ingredients:        -   Veg, glycerin        -   Glyceryl stearate        -   Cetyl alcohol        -   Dimethicone        -   Caprylic/Capric triglyceride        -   Emulsifing wax        -   Sodium hydroxide to PH 4.50        -   Cucumber fragrance

The cream was tested on several human users, using manual application tothe underarm region and other areas as desired, with excellent resultsin controlling odor and reducing perspiration. Long-lasting odor controlwas observed, with several users indicating that successfulantiperspirant performance increased initially as if the productperformance was cumulative. With a week of daily use, significantreduction on odor was observed. Without wishing to be bound by theory,it may be that the cumulative effect over time is to substantiallyreduce the amount of odor-producing bacteria on the skin. Thecomposition was also found to be effective in keeping body odor out ofclothing also.

Users of this and related compositions observed that the skin feltsmoother and was easier to shave, with less irritation. Without wishingto be bound by theory, it is believed that the alpha-hydroxy acids inthis and related compositions act to smooth the skin and to soften hair,allowing shaving with less irritation.

This formulation appeared to work best if applied when the skin was dry.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, the corn starch appeared to playa useful role in absorbing moisture and providing a suitable body orviscosity to the formulation. A wide variety of starches may beconsidered, including starch modified to have cationic charge or otherknown natural or chemically modified starches. The starch may comprisefrom about 1% to about 80% of the composition, such as from about 5% toabout 30% or from about 2% to about 20%, or greater than 10%.

Example 2

A viscous cream comprising lactic acid, mandelic acid, and an oil/wateremulsion carrier was formulated using the following ingredients:

Water Lactic acid 8.0% Mandelic acid 4.0% Glycerin Xanthan gum thickenerPolyquaternium 10 Aloe vera extract Oat extract Allantoin Chamomileextract Sodium hydroxide Methylisothiazolinone (preservative) Caprylglycol

The pH of the formulation was 4.0.

This formulation was then tested as an odor control material for use onthe pudendum with female subjects using an external test agency.Seventeen product summaries were collected from test subjects. Thesummaries are formatted on a 5 point scale with 5 being the mostfavorable to 1 being the least. The product was evaluated on theproperties as follows, texture, feel after applied to the skin,irritability to the application area, reduction or blocked odor, howwell the women liked the product and whether or not they would use theproduct again or recommend it to a friend. Most of the women fellbetween the ages of 20-50 with the exception on both extremes, theyoungest being nineteen and the oldest aged sixty-five. One women waspregnant in her third trimester.

Each of 5 parameters are separately considered. All 17 gave the producta 5/5 rating in terms of texture and consistency.

The product was not irritating to the area of application. Thirteen ofthe 17 (76%) gave it a 5/5. Three of the 17 gave it a 4/5 or 18%.Combined 4-5/5 rating is 16/17 or 94%. One woman gave it a 3/5 ratingand then explained that she had stinging upon initial application thatwent away quickly. She stated that overall the product worked and shewould buy the product and use in the future. A point was made by severalwomen that they had a warming sensation upon initial application thatthey felt meant it was working or one woman verbalized that it felt likeK-Y warming gel. None of the women felt that this was a negative. Somesaid that they felt that it must be working.

The product reduced or blocked odor. Thirteen of the 17 (76%) gave theproduct a 5/5 rating for odor reduction. Three of the 17 gave a 4/5 or18%. Combined rating of 4-5/5 is 16/17 or 94%. Of the women who gave a4/5 in this category, there were no additional comments about why theyfelt it was less than a 5. One woman gave the product a 3/5. She saidthat it only made her feel more wet and she did not like the product.Others stated that they felt that the product helped with odor duringmenses, after intercourse or after working out.

For overall approval of the product, fourteen of the 17 (82%) gave it5/5. One woman gave it a 4/5. Combined rating of 4-5/5 is 15/17 or 88%.One woman gave it a 2/5. (the one who did not like the product becauseit made her feel more wet). The same positive numbers were obtained whenthe subjects were asked if they would use this product again andrecommend it to others.

The results demonstrate the utility of alpha-hydroxy acids incontrolling the odor generation of bacteria present on the skin. Similarmechanisms may relate to the benefits related compositions have shownwhen used to control under-arm odor.

Example 3

Another version of a viscous cream was made with the followingingredients:

Water Lactic acid 10.0% Safflower oil Mandelic acid 2.0% Tricontyl PVP(water proofing agent) Glyceryl Stearate PEG- 100 Stearate EmulsifingWax Caprylic Capric Triglyceride Cetyl alcohol Dimethicone PolyacryamideC13 C14 Isoparaffin Laureth-7 Aloe vera Allantoin Oat extract Chamomileextract Sodium Hydroxide Phenoxyrthanol (preservative) Chlorphenensin(preservative) Benzoic acid (preservative) Sorbic acid (preservative)Butylene Glycol

Example 4

A composition for treating fishy odor arising from the pudendum wasprepared using the ingredients and weight percents shown in Table 1:

Sequence INCI Names Trade Names % W/W Suppliers 1 Water D.I. Water 49.60Open 1 Disodium EDTA Versene Na2 0.100 Open 1 Glycerin 99 vegetableGlycerin 99 5.00 Open 1 Lactic Acid 70% Purac 10.00 Purac America 1 DLMandelic acid Mandelic Acid 2.00 Orient Star 310/ 7016402 1 AllantoinAllantoin 0.10 Open 2 Glyceryl Stearate & Arlacel 165 3.50 Open PEG 100Stearate 2 Cetyl Alcohol Cetyl Alcohol 2.00 Open 2 Dimethicone DowCorning 1.00 Dow 200/100 Corning 2 Caprylic/Capric Liponate CG 3.50 LipoTriglyceride chemical 2 Emulsifying Wax Polawax 3.00 Croda 2 TricontylPVP Ganez WP660 3.00 ISP 2 Carthamus Tinctorius High oleic 8.50 Open(safflower) Seed Oil Safflower oil 3 Germazide 1.00 PSB 3 50% SodiumSodium 2.500 Open Hydroxide Hydroxide 3 Aloe Barbadensis Aloe 10 Fold0.50 Active leaf extract organic 3 Avena Sativa (oat) Oat extract 0.10Active kernel extract organic 3 Chamomilla Recutita Chamomile 0.10Active (Matricaria extract organic Matricaria) flower extract 4 Sepigel305 2.50 Seppic 4 PPG-12/SMDI Poly- 2.00 Barnet Copolymer olperpolymer-2

Procedures:

-   -   1. In a clean sanitized stainless steel tank, Sequence 1        ingredients were combined and mixed thoroughly to form a first        mixture.    -   2. The first mixture was heated to 75° C. while mixing        continued.    -   3. In a separate stainless steel tank, Sequence 2 ingredients        were combined and heated to 75° C. to form a second mixture.    -   4. After slight cooling, when both mixtures were at 70° C., the        second mixture was added gradually to the first mixture while        mixing. Mixing continued for another 15 minutes to form a third        mixture.    -   5. A cooling cycle was then started as the third mixture was        cooled to 40° C. Then the Sequence 3 ingredients were added one        at time in the listed order while mixing to form a fourth        mixture.

6. The ingredients from Sequence 4 were then blended into the fourthmixture to form the final composition.

The final composition had a pH less than 4 and was then tested forefficacy, and was found to be effective in reducing fishy odor on thepudendum.

Example 5

A composition similar to that of Example 4 was produced, but with theadditional presence of a prepolymer from Barnet Group, a describedabove. PP-2 was used. The resulting formulation was found to besurprisingly effective in preventing fishy odor from the pudendum, witha prolonged effect lasting over 24 hours. Without wishing to be bound bytheory, it is believed that the prepolymer compound assists in holdingthe alpha-hydroxy acids of the composition off the skin and in anenvironment where they can be effective in maintaining a low pH andreducing the activity of anaerobic bacteria on the pudendum.

Example 6

In a prophetic example, 1% or greater caffeine by weight or othereffective quantity of xanthine compounds are added to the caffeine-freeformulations of Examples 2 through 5 to create a compound with thebenefits of both xanthine compounds relative to sweat reduction andalpha-hydroxy acids relative to odor suppression. The product can thenbe formulated for a roll-on deodorant, a spray-on deodorant, a wipe, ora nonwoven or other absorbent pad that is worn under the arms thatdelivers and effective amount of the formulation to the skin under thearm.

REMARKS

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodimentsthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements, and thus may include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms“comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be apparentthat modifications and variations are possible without departing fromthe scope of aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims.As various changes could be made in the above compositions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of theinvention, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

While the foregoing description makes reference to particularillustrative embodiments, these examples should not be construed aslimitations. The inventive system, methods, and products can be adaptedfor other uses or provided in other forms not explicitly listed above,and can be modified in numerous ways within the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theclaims below.

1. A personal care composition for reducing at least one of perspirationand body odor comprising an effective amount of a xanthine compound andat least 0.5% by weight of a carboxylic acid in a suitable carrier forapplication to the skin.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein thepersonal care composition is in the form of viscous compound selectedfrom a cream, a lotion, a paste, or a slurry and wherein the effectiveamount of the xanthine compound is at least 0.5% by weight.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the carboxylic acid is an alpha hydroxyacid.
 4. The composition of claim 3 wherein the alpha-hydroxy acidcomprises mandelic acid or a derivative thereof.
 5. The composition ofclaim 4 wherein the composition comprises at least 1% mandelic acid byweight.
 6. The composition of claim 4 wherein the composition comprisesat least 1% by weight of an alpha-carboxylic acid having at least 6carbons.
 7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the xanthine compound isa methyl xanthine derivative.
 8. The composition of claim 1 wherein thexanthine compound comprises caffeine or derivatives thereof, and whereinthe composition is substantially free of aluminum and zirconiumantiperspirant compounds.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein theviscous product comprises about 1 weight percent or greater mandelicacid, and further comprises about 1 weight percent or greater lacticacid.
 10. The composition of claim 1, where the viscous product has anelevated yield stress allowing the product to readily adhere tosubstantially vertical human skin in an applied layer at least 2millimeters thick without substantially flowing in response togravitational force.
 11. A deodorant composition for use on human skincomprising about 1% by weight or greater of a xanthine compound in asuitable carrier.
 12. The deodorant composition of claim 11 furthercomprising packaging with indicia directing a user to apply thecomposition to one or more regions of the human body for reduction of atleast one of odor and perspiration.
 13. The deodorant composition ofclaim 11 further comprising an effective amount of a carboxylic acid.14. The deodorant composition of claim 13 wherein the carboxylic acid isan alpha-hydroxy acid comprising at least 0.5% of the mass of theantiperspirant.
 15. The deodorant composition of claim 14 wherein thealpha-hydroxy acid comprises mandelic acid.
 16. The deodorantcomposition of claim 11 wherein the xanthine compound is caffeine or asalt thereof, further comprising about 1% or greater by weight ofmandelic acid or a derivative thereof.
 17. The deodorant composition ofclaim 11, comprising about 5% or greater by weight of caffeine or a saltthereof and about 2% or greater by weight of an alpha-hydroxy acidhaving at least 8 carbons.
 18. The deodorant composition of claim 11provided in the form of at least one of a wipe, an impregnated pad, afoam, a gel, a cream, and a spray-on liquid.
 19. The deodorantcomposition of claim 11 wherein the xanthine compound comprises caffeineor derivatives thereof, and the wherein the composition furthercomprises at least 1% mandelic acid and at least 5% starch, and issubstantially free of aluminum and zirconium compounds.
 20. A method ofmaking a substantially aluminum-free personal care compositioncomprising blending caffeine, a carboxylic acid, and a suitable carrierto form a viscous composition, and disposing the composition in acontainer with indicia associated therewith instructing a user to applythe composition to a region of the body likely to experience body odorassociated with perspiration.